Criminal Injuries Compensation Board

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) is a remedial body designed to provide aid and assistance to victims of crime in Maryland. Our statutory authority shall be construed in all circumstances to remedy the harm to the victim and in favor of eligibility for the victim or claimant.

Frequently Asked Questions for Victims

Person who suffers physical injury as a result of a crime or delinquent act;

Surviving spouse or child of a homicide victim;

Person who assumed responsibility for the funeral expenses of a homicide victim;

Person who was dependant on the homicide victim for principal support;

A child or spouse of a victim of homicide

A parent, child, or spouse of an individual who is incarcerated for abuse as defined in Sec. 4-501 of the Family Law Article and who, prior to incarceration resided with the parent, child, or spouse; and provided financial support to the parent, child, or spouse.

Person who suffers from psychological injury as the result of certain offenses; and

Person who suffers injury while trying to prevent a crime, apprehend a suspect or assist a law enforcement officers in the course of the officer’s official duties.

What is reimbursable?

Medical expenses related to physical injury;

Expenses for psychological injury incurred as the result of certain offenses;

Loss of earnings which are directly related to the victim’s inability to work following the crime or victim’s principal financial support being unable to work;

Total or partial, permanent or temporary, disability;

Funeral expense in the case of a homicide;

Loss of support or dependency when a homicide victim was providing support to the claimant; and

Other expenses as approved by the Board.

What must a victim do to qualify for compensation?

Unless good cause is shown, report the crime to appropriate authorities within 48 hours of the crime occurring; and

Have incurred at least $100 in reimbursable expenses.

What makes a victim ineligible for compensation?

Substantial evidence suggests the victim caused, provoked or contributed to the crime that caused the injury; and

Unless good cause is shown, failing to cooperate with authorities to whom the victim reported the initial crime.